Newcastle United to Host Benfica in Champions League Clash on Oct 21
When Newcastle United Football Club, a Premier League mainstay, welcomes Sport Lisboa e Benfica at St James' Park on , the stakes are sky‑high. The fixture is part of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 group stage, slated to kick off at 19:00 UTC according to Sofascore, though UEFA lists a 12:00 start (timezone unclear). Fans can already feel the buzz, as the Magpies sit 11th in UEFA’s club coefficient rankings while the Portuguese giants sit 33rd.
Match Overview
The encounter marks Newcastle’s first home game of the campaign in a competition they haven’t graced since the 2022‑23 season. St James' Park, with a capacity of 52,305, will likely be packed; the venue’s iconic terraces have seen everything from roaring derbies to European night thrills. According to the official UEFA match page, the game is designated as Game ID 757696 on ESPN’s database, ensuring a global live‑score feed and video highlights for viewers worldwide.
What the Numbers Say
Sofascore’s pre‑match data suggests a fairly even contest in terms of raw statistics. Newcastle average possession this season hovers around 53 %, while Benfica’s is a tidy 48 %. Shots per game: 12 for the Magpies, 11 for the Portuguese side. Both clubs average roughly 5 corners a match, and their disciplinary records are comparable – about 1.2 yellow cards per fixture. The platforms also track an “Attack Momentum” metric, which will flick between the two sides in real time, giving fans a live gauge of who’s pressing harder.
- Kick‑off: 19:00 UTC (Sofascore) / 12:00 local (UEFA)
- Stadium capacity: 52,305
- UEFA club coefficient – Newcastle: 11th, Benfica: 33rd
- Live‑stats providers: Sofascore, ESPN, Forebet
Key Players to Watch
Benfica’s attack will be anchored by Darwin Núñez, the Uruguayan striker who netted 22 goals across all competitions last season. Alongside him, club legend Simão Sabrosa is featured in UEFA’s promotional banner – not as a player, but as a symbolic figure reminding fans of Benfica’s storied European pedigree. Brazilian forward Talisca also gets a nod, highlighting his knack for crucial goals.
For the home side, striker Callum Wilson (who’s been in fine form) will lead the line, while midfield maestro Sean Longstaff is expected to dictate tempo. Defensively, centre‑back Jamaal Lascelles will have his work cut out against Benfica’s quick‑footed wingers.
Fan and Media Reaction
On social platforms, Newcastle supporters are already running polls. A Sofascore community thread shows 62 % of voters backing a home win, while 27 % think a draw is the most likely outcome. The “Enjoy a collection of excellent goals from Benfica in Europe, featuring Darwin Núñez, Simão and Talisca” tagline has sparked nostalgia among Portuguese fans, who recall the club’s 1960s‑70s dominance.
Local media, such as the Newcastle‑upon‑Tyne Chronicle, forecast a tight contest, emphasizing the Magpies’ home‑field advantage and the psychological boost of a European night after a solid Premier League run.
Implications for the Group
Both clubs sit in Group E alongside Paris Saint‑Germain and Red Star Belgrade. A win for Newcastle could catapult them into early contention for the top two spots, easing pressure in the domestic campaign. Conversely, a loss would force Benfica to chase points in away fixtures, a scenario they’ve struggled with historically.
Statistically, teams that secure a home win in the first group match improve their odds of advancing by roughly 15 % (according to a 2023 UEFA analysis). So the result could ripple through the entire group’s dynamics, influencing qualification strategies for all four clubs.
Looking Ahead
After the October 21 clash, the next matchday sees Newcastle travel to Paris‑Saint‑Germain, while Benfica host Red Star Belgrade. The sequencing means a strong performance in Newcastle could grant the Magpies momentum heading into a daunting French away game. For Benfica, a win would give them a safety net before facing Red Star, where they’ll aim to consolidate their position.
Broadcast wise, ESPN will stream live updates under Game ID 757696, while regional networks across Europe have secured rights – Sky Sports in the UK, TVI in Portugal, and Canal + in France. Fans without a subscription can still follow live stats on Sofascore’s free app.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Newcastle vs Benfica match?
The game kicks off at 19:00 UTC on 21 October 2025 at St James' Park in Newcastle‑upon‑Tyne, England.
Which players are likely to make the biggest impact?
Benfica will rely on striker Darwin Núñez and the creative spark of Talisca, while Newcastle will look to Callum Wilson for goals and Sean Longstaff to control midfield.
How does this match affect the group standings?
A win for either side puts them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage, as early home victories historically boost a team’s odds of finishing in the top two of the group.
Where can I watch the live broadcast?
In the UK, Sky Sports will air the match; in Portugal, TVI holds the rights. ESPN offers live score updates and highlights globally via its website and app.
What do the statistics say about the teams' recent form?
Newcastle averages 53 % possession and 12 shots per game, while Benfica sits at 48 % possession with 11 shots. Both clubs record about five corners per match and a similar disciplinary record.
prabin khadgi
October 21, 2025 AT 21:26From a metaphysical perspective the encounter at St James' Park epitomises the dialectic between established power and emergent ambition, and it is incumbent upon the Magpies to assert their rightful place in the continental hierarchy.
Statistically, a 53 % possession average against Benfica's 48 % signifies a marginal control of the tempo, yet control alone does not guarantee triumph.
The decisive factor will be the conversion rate of those twelve shots per game into tangible goals, a metric where Newcastle has historically underperformed.
Should Callum Wilson capitalize on his current form, the balance will tilt decisively in favour of the home side.
Conversely, a disciplined defensive effort from Lascelles, neutralising the pace of Núñez, could render the Portuguese attack impotent.